Rugged vs refined: toyota highlander vs jeep – which fits your lifestyle?

What To Know

  • In terms of fuel economy, the Toyota Highlander with the four-cylinder engine achieves an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
  • The Toyota Highlander comes well-equipped with a variety of features, including an infotainment system with a large touchscreen display, navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
  • The Highlander offers a better value for the money, as it comes with more standard features and a higher safety rating.

When it comes to choosing a family adventure vehicle, the Toyota Highlander and the Jeep stand out as two of the most popular options. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, rugged capabilities, and advanced safety features. However, there are key differences between the two that can make a significant difference in your driving experience. In this comprehensive blog post, we will compare the Toyota Highlander vs. Jeep in various aspects to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Capability

Engine Power and Fuel Economy

The Toyota Highlander offers a choice of two engine options: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and a 3.5-liter V6 engine. The four-cylinder engine produces 185 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, while the V6 engine delivers 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. The Jeep offers a variety of engine options, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 3.6-liter V6 engine, and a 5.7-liter V8 engine. The 2.0-liter engine produces 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.6-liter engine delivers 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 5.7-liter engine generates 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque.

In terms of fuel economy, the Toyota Highlander with the four-cylinder engine achieves an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The V6 engine gets 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Jeep with the 2.0-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The 3.6-liter engine gets 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The 5.7-liter engine gets 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.

Off-Road Capabilities

The Toyota Highlander is known for its on-road comfort and handling, but it also offers decent off-road capabilities. It has a ground clearance of 8.3 inches and an approach angle of 29 degrees. The Jeep, on the other hand, is renowned for its exceptional off-road performance. It offers a higher ground clearance of 10.8 inches and an approach angle of 33 degrees. Additionally, the Jeep features a more advanced four-wheel drive system with locking differentials, which provides better traction in challenging off-road conditions.

Interior and Comfort

Space and Seating

The Toyota Highlander offers a spacious interior with seating for up to eight passengers. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and the second row offers ample legroom. The third row is best suited for children or occasional use. The Jeep offers a similar amount of space, with seating for up to five passengers in the standard configuration. The front seats are comfortable, but the second row is slightly less spacious than the Highlander’s. The Jeep does not offer a third row of seats.

Features and Technology

The Toyota Highlander comes well-equipped with a variety of features, including an infotainment system with a large touchscreen display, navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It also offers a variety of safety features, such as lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Jeep offers similar features, but its infotainment system is not as user-friendly as the Highlander’s. Additionally, the Jeep offers a more rugged interior with durable materials and easy-to-clean surfaces.

Safety

Both the Toyota Highlander and the Jeep offer a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Highlander has received a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Jeep has also received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, but it has not been tested by the IIHS.

Price and Value

The Toyota Highlander has a starting price of $36,250, while the Jeep starts at $38,695. The Highlander offers a better value for the money, as it comes with more standard features and a higher safety rating. However, the Jeep offers superior off-road capabilities and a more rugged interior.

Which One is Right for You?

The Toyota Highlander is an excellent choice for families who value comfort, safety, and fuel economy. It offers a spacious interior, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Jeep is a better choice for families who need superior off-road capabilities and a more rugged interior. It offers a powerful engine, a more advanced four-wheel drive system, and durable materials.

Alternatives to Consider

In addition to the Toyota Highlander and the Jeep, there are several other family adventure vehicles worth considering. These include the Honda Pilot, the Kia Telluride, and the Hyundai Palisade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which vehicle has better fuel economy?

The Toyota Highlander with the four-cylinder engine has better fuel economy than the Jeep with the 2.0-liter engine.

Which vehicle has more off-road capabilities?

The Jeep has more off-road capabilities than the Toyota Highlander.

Which vehicle is more spacious?

The Toyota Highlander is more spacious than the Jeep.

Which vehicle has a more user-friendly infotainment system?

The Toyota Highlander has a more user-friendly infotainment system than the Jeep.

Which vehicle is more affordable?

The Toyota Highlander is more affordable than the Jeep.